Shirley "Kitty" Shymansky

Shirley “Kitty” Yvonne Shymansky, 89, of Springfield, Illinois, passed in the arms of the Lord, while surrounded by loving family members, at 3:21 a.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Saint John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

Kitty was born May 27, 1932, in Springfield, IL, the daughter of Alvin and Arneta Burger Miller.

She attended Butler Elementary and graduated from Springfield High School in 1949. She was a lifetime member of St. Agnes Catholic Church.

She was a powerful woman that had over 50 successful businesses in her long lifetime. A few of her most renowned were, The Prairie Run, The Stables, Rent a Wreck, Traveling Gourmet, The Giant Slide at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, and Katerina’s Beauty Bar. Even after retirement, Kitty couldn’t help but keep going. She frequently worked jobs as a sample lady, which she jokingly referred to as her “social life”.

Kitty was a woman with many interests and talents. You couldn’t keep her out of the kitchen with her love of cooking, fueling many delicious meals. Her green thumb kept her garden immaculate and thriving with the most beautiful variety of flowers. Kitty’s favorite treat was cheering on her Chicago “cubbies” to victory. Above all, her family was the most precious treasure surrounding her entire life.

Kitty was not just an adoring nickname but a perfect reflection of her affinity for animals.

Her love of traveling took her and her family to many beach destinations including San Andres, Colombia in South America, Marco Island, Florida, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and San Lucas, Mexico.

She married Donald “Bud” Shymansky on November 3, 1956, in Springfield, IL. He preceded her in death in 1999. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Arneta Miller in 1992 and her father, Alvin Miller in 1973.

Kitty is survived by her children; three daughters, Stacy Shymansky, (husband, Douglas Draper) of Ojai, CA, Stefne Shymansky of Scottsdale, AZ, and Shannon Shymansky of Springfield, IL; two sons, Sean Shymansky (wife, Amy Shymansky) of Farmington, IL and Shad Shymansky (wife, Angela Shymansky) of Cantrall, IL; 13 grandchildren, Beau Shymansky, Bailey Shymansky, Broc Shymansky, Rese Shymansky, and Remington Shymansky (father, Sean Shymansky). Sydney Shymansky, Shyanne Shymansky, Skylar Shymansky, and Seager Shymansky (father, Shad Shymansky); two great-grandchildren, Logan Newell (mother, Sydney Shymansky), Kinsley Jennings (mother, Bailey Shymansky); her beloved brother, Gene Miller of Auburn, AL (wife, Doris Miller); nephew, Mark Miller, MN; nieces, Laura Miller of AL, Dara Miller of AL, and Sue Shymansky Terry (husband, Michael Terry) of Springfield, IL.

Kitty will be engraved into the hearts and souls of every person she ever encountered. Missed dearly, loved by all, and a true force to be reckoned with, her memory will live on for generations to come.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Visitation and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. on Friday, January 14, 2022, St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave, Springfield. A Funeral Mass will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Very Rev. Daniel J. Bergbower, V.F., celebrant. The family will host a reception in Kitty’s honor following the mass. Illinois COVID-19 guidance will be followed, requiring face coverings. For family and friends unable to attend, you may view the Mass by visiting St. Agnes' Facebook page.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield, IL 62702, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 28 West 44th St., Suite 609, New York, NY 10036, or the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.